Mapledale Farm is one of the area’s leading sources for all things landscape supplies

By Mary Malik

When your family business starts in 1874, it’s bound to experience some changes over the years. What began as a dairy farm in 1874, Mapledale Farm in Chardon has reinvented itself many times, but its goal has always been to provide quality products and services to its customers.

“Whether we were a dairy farm, a timber management company for maple syrup production or the landscape services company we are today, Mapledale has survived because this family has always put service and integrity first,” says owner Dave Johnson.

“My father and grandfather were in and out of different businesses over the years, but the family has always had this land.”

And like any longstanding family business, new generations bring changes. After the original dairy farm came to an end, the land continued to produce maple syrup, which it still does today. Dave’s father went in a different career direction but the land was always there.

Dave’s own path to the landscaping business has been anything but direct. As a trained mechanic, he’s worked on everything on wheels that you can imagine, and if it needed fixing, building, mowing or plowing, he’s done that, too.

“I grew up learning to do just about anything with my hands and was a mechanic for years,” says Dave. “I was even teaching mechanics at night. I eventually got a little burned out and wanted to try something different. I decided on the landscaping business in 1982 and I’ve never looked back.”

Mapledale now provides professional landscape services along with snow and ice removal to commercial and residential clients in Cuyahoga, Lake, Ashtabula and Geauga Counties, along with offering a retail showroom full of everything needed for outdoor maintenance and living.

“We moved into this building 10 years ago, which allowed us to expand our offering of bulk materials,” says Dave.

“We have plenty of room here to offer all landscape supplies and materials, including mulch, topsoil, PVC pipe, fertilizer, grass seed, gravel and anything for the outside. This large space makes it easy for contractors to pull right in, fill up their trucks and head out to their jobs, or for homeowners to come in and grab anything they need for smaller jobs at home. Our materials are second-to-none in quality and selection, and our staff is knowledgeable and ready to help.”

The quality of the mulch you spread may not be something you really think about, so it’s a good thing Dave is thinking about it for you.

“Mulch quality can really vary,” says Dave. “We offer several types and colors—all of the highest quality. You don’t have to worry about your mulch fading or having to rake it out before putting new mulch down next season. It will break down into the soil just like it’s supposed to. We also offer playground mulch for areas you may want a softer mulch underfoot. We’ve got it all.”

The showroom includes all supplies and hand tools, like shovels, gloves, wheelbarrows and more. And brand new this year, Mapledale is proud to offer a line of Amish built poly outdoor furniture.

“This furniture is beautiful,” says Dave. “You can walk right in the showroom and take it home today, or we can order just the right color or configuration if we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for. It’s all handmade in Holmes County from recycled plastic and comes in several different colors along with a popular wood grain option that you’d never know isn’t the real thing.”

Attractive, comfortable, durable and resilient, poly furniture is a great option for outdoor furnishings in Northeast Ohio.

“You can leave it out all year round,” says Dave. “It won’t fade, crack or warp. Just wipe it down and you’re ready to entertain. We also have mailboxes and birdhouses of the same material. It’s a great investment that will last for years.”

And speaking of lasting for years, Dave knows a thing or two about longevity. Community involvement is an important part of that.

“This community is our home and giving back is very important to us,” says Dave. “We donate wheelbarrows for community projects, support local youth sports teams and are engaged in a partnership with the juvenile court system here that’s been very successful.” Mapledale donates a large piece of land and prepares it for youths to plant, cultivate and harvest as part of the justice program.

“This is a great program for everyone,” says Dave. “We love helping out and the kids really enjoy seeing the fruits of their labors.”

And Dave sure knows how the land can give back.

“My granddaughter is the seventh generation to live on this land,” says Dave. “We love the business and no matter the season, we’ll do whatever it takes to take good care of the customer.”

Mapledale Farm is located at 9763 Old State Rd. in Chardon. For more information, call 440-286-3389 or check the website, MapledaleFarm.co.